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Easy Tuna Kilawin Recipe

Tuna Kilawin or Kilawing Tuna is a Filipino dish wherein cubed fresh tuna is mixed with vinegar, lemon, or calamansi and chilled until the fish is gradually cooked by the vinegar or citrus juices. Tuna kilawin is considered as an appetizer in the Philippines – it is also a popular pulutan amongst many beer-loving individuals.

There are many ways to prepare Tuna Kilawin. This Easy Tuna Kilawin Recipe is one of the simplest and easiest because it requires less ingredients and the process is fairly easy. I am using lemon for this Tuna Kilawin Recipe, you can also use calamansi or lime as substitutes.

The secret to a good tuna kilawin is the proper fish to citrus juice ratio and the amount of time spent to cure the fish. We should have enough citrus juice to cure the fish and leave it in the fridge for at least 3 hours – although you can do it overnight if you want the fish to be completely cured. It will also be great to serve this dish cold so that it can stay fresh and taste delightful.

You might be asking where to source the fish. Fresh frozen tuna should be available in your local groceries in the frozen seafood section. If you live near the ocean, chances are that fresh ahi tuna are available — fresh is always better.